East Hampton P.D., First Responders Lauded for Saving a Life

Chief Gerard Larsen, second from right, congratulated his officers who were involved in saving the life of a man who collapsed at the Maidstone Club in September. From left, Officer Matt Kochanasz, Officer Steven Niggles and Sgt. Richard Mamay.

Steve Sheades

Nov. 18, 2016

Christopher Walsh

Members of the East Hampton Village Police Department, emergency medical technicians, and an employee of the Maidstone Club were recognized by the village board on Friday for their role in saving a life.

Around 3 p.m. on Sept. 25, Jan Roosenburg collapsed on the third tee of the Maidstone Club's golf course, on Dunemere Lane, said Chief Gerard Larsen. Sgt. Richard Mamay and Officers Steven Niggles and Matt Kochanasz arrived, the chief said, and started to work on Mr. Roosenburg, who had no pulse. The officers used a defibrillator to deliver a single, controlled electric shock, and the man started to breathe before an ambulance arrived.

Thanks to the officers, emergency personnel, and Miguel Quiroz, a caddy at the Maidstone Club, "Mr. Roosenburg is alive today" following a six-day hospitalization, the chief said.

In addition to Sgt. Mamay, Officers Niggles and Kochanasz, and Mr. Quiroz, Mayor Paul F. Rickenbach Jr. commended Pablo Betancur, Donna Collins, Ian Hoyt, and Mary Ellen McGuire of the village's ambulance association, and Kyle McGuinness, a paramedic, for their "valiant efforts" in saving the man.

"What a great conclusion to a tough situation," said Ken Koch, the club's general manager. "In many cases like this it doesn't end as well. I'm so thrilled with the actions of the police and E.M.T.s and Miguel. On behalf of the Maidstone Club, I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart."

Mr. Roosenburg's daughter, Kimberly, addressed the gathering. "Dad is not only alive," she said. "He's totally fine." She read a statement in which her father thanked all who assisted him. He remembered nothing of the incident, he said. " 'However, I got back to East Hampton just in time for the celebration of our youngest daughter's wedding,' " Ms. Roosenburg read. In his statement, he called himself "incredibly lucky" for the care he received "by very special people."

Ms. Roosenburg presented the mayor with a contribution to the village's ambulance association.